Politics & Policy

Analyzing how political decisions and policies shape public health practices and outcomes.

Featured image for post: Working, But Not Enough to Keep Medicaid

Working, But Not Enough to Keep Medicaid

Paul Shafer, Timothy Callaghan

Past

Sep 18, 2026

Starting in 2027, new work requirements will likely result in over 5 million Americans losing their Medicaid coverage despite being employed.

Public Health Conversations
Featured image for post: When Communities Drive Discovery: How AI Can Democratize Health Research

When Communities Drive Discovery: How AI Can Democratize Health Research

Ankita Kaulberg, Eduardo De la Vega-Taboada, Abby C. King

Past

Sep 2, 2026

Community-led research can face barriers to change. Using AI tools thoughtfully can help translate lived experiences into meaningful action.

Public Health Conversations
Featured image for post: Medicaid Renewal and the Risks of Unenrollment

Medicaid Renewal and the Risks of Unenrollment

Farah Nimeri

Past

Aug 27, 2026

Nearly 13% of Medicaid enrollees lose coverage at the annual renewal deadline, often due to procedural errors rather than ineligibility.

Public Health Conversations
Featured image for post: Fear No More: The Reality of Direct Cash Transfers

Fear No More: The Reality of Direct Cash Transfers

Priyanka Athalye

Past

Aug 21, 2026

Despite what some politicians may think, research suggests people spend federal cash transfers on food, rent, or bills—not drugs or alcohol.

Public Health Conversations
Featured image for post: The ISS Was a Public Health Laboratory. What’s Next?

The ISS Was a Public Health Laboratory. What's Next?

Katherine O'Malley

Past

Jun 22, 2026

In 2030, the International Space Station will end. And with it, the fate of public health research conducted there hangs in the balance.

Public Health Conversations
Featured image for post: America’s Health Requires a Collective Cure

America’s Health Requires a Collective Cure

Monica L. Wang

Past

Jun 18, 2026

Health is built when strong foundations and supported communities work together, creating conditions in which individual effort can succeed.

Public Health Conversations
Featured image for post: Churning Out of Diabetes Management

Churning Out of Diabetes Management

Rylie Lillibridge

Past

May 22, 2026

Insurance churn leaves diabetic patients uninsured and unmedicated, leading to worse health outcomes and disease management.

Public Health Conversations
Featured image for post: Massachusetts Medicaid Dental Benefits: What Is at Stake?  

Massachusetts Medicaid Dental Benefits: What Is at Stake?  

Ashwini Ranade, Astha Singhal

Past

May 19, 2026

Projected cuts under the OBBBA will roll back adult dental coverage, pushing patients from preventive care to costly emergency departments.

Public Health Conversations
Featured image for post: The Unequal Health Legacy of the 2008 Recession

The Unequal Health Legacy of the 2008 Recession

Bernadette Carter-Salmond

Mar 11, 2026

A recent study reveals that economic crises magnify inequalities already deeply embedded in political and financial systems.

Public Health Post